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It's Rated-R for strong violence and language, but I strongly recommend that high school and college journalism teachers show this film to their students. As a high school journalism teacher, I saw the opportunity to show students a true story about a journalist. That truth-seeking journalists can make a difference. However, I had no idea that after five times watching the movie, I would cry during the whole 15 minute ending each and every time. Through her journalistic techniques and "finding the truth," she did ultimately pay the price for those antics. But the reason why I was so moved with this movie, was the fact that "she" and her "actions" moved the Irish government to change things. So many people rallied to her and for "her" after her death because she fought the people no one else would fight. She sought the truth exposing those who needed to be in the spotlight for their wrongdoings. Two of the most powerful images in this movie, 1) the children playing with the used drug syringes left on the streets and 2) the funeral procession - you would have thought a diplomat had been laid to rest that day, but instead an honest-seeking journalist who was trying to do her job. My newspaper students sat hypnotized by the television for three days while watching this film. They were moved just as I at the end. It brought a lot of discussion afterwards, too.

If I give four stars to this film, that's simply because of Cate Blanchett. The story of Veronica Gurerin, who was killed during the determined jounalistic jobs about drug business, has been already covered in a thinly disguised version "When the Sky Falls" (with Joan Allen), but to be frank with you, this "Veronica Guerin" could be much better with another director and producer. Why Joel Shumacher and Jerry Bruckheimer?The story is smoothly told, with a good opening sequence, but you can't expect a "bio-pic" in "Veronica Guerrin," in which you are shown not many things that would tell us about the inner life of her. Veronica, writer for the Sunday Independent, begins her crusade against the drug lord in Dublin, who is responsible for the appalling conditions of the life of the kids there. As she goes on, she is threatened by unseen forces, possibly the henchmen of the underworld, but she stubbornly keeps on her course until she meets the inevitable result.Cate Blanchett's superb acting (Golden Globe nominated) almost hides it, but what the film's screenplay offers is treated with Shumacher's by-the-number direction. I really hate the moment, for instance, in which the camera lingers on the bloody crime scene, as if to put emphasis on the tragic nature of the story, in the worst Hollywood fashion. We can easily feel, from Cate's perfect acting (with perfect Irish accent), the magnitude of what she did, and what happened to her. So, why not leave it to her?The villainous acting of Ciaran Hinds ("Persuation") is also great, but his character also suffers from too familiar elements seen in many crime films.Read more ›

There are few actresses in the world that can take on just about any role they choose. Cate Blanchett is one of them. "Veronica Guerin" is a true tale of a no-nonsense Irish reporter that will go to any length to bring the truth out. In this case, it is exposing drug dealers in mid-nineties Ireland. Veronica is abrupt and sometimes abrasive, but always the professional. Only the criminals around her can emphasize how courageous her commitment is to tell the truth by their vicious threats. Blanchett always brings a vitality and truth to every role she plays, and to be honest, this film would have failed without her work. It is an ordinary story, all too well known in the world, but Veronica Guerin is unafraid and nearly unstoppable. That is what makes her an unusual person in a world full of murderers and drug traffickers.Joan Allen played the role of Veronica Guerin in 2000's "When The Sky Falls". It's also a great film with fine acting, but not as well crafted as Schumacher's Hollywood version. The director and writers commentaries are typical, but the rare footage of the real Veronica Guerin addressing the 'Committee to Protect Journalists' is priceless.

CATE BLANCHETT is a marvelous actress, one whose dexterity in playing any kind of role (e.g. THE GIFT), will one day elevate her to the Meryl Streep class of actress.Cate's overwhelming portrayal of journalist Veronica Guerin is nothing but brilliant, and she was sadly overlooked by Oscar, who usually eats up this kind of performance. Even though she won no award, Blanchett infuses Veronica Guerin with a smoldering passion, a strong sense of commitment and perseverance, and a loving mother and wife, whose actions endanger all of them, but she sticks to it. Cate has so many moments of excellence, one can't really elucidate on them without going on and on; suffice to say, Cate is magnificent.Director Joel Schumacher leaves his action film techniques behind and crafts an envigorating yet sad film. Blanchett is supported by a tremendous cast: Gerard McSorney as John Gilligan is one of the most vile characters on celluloid and McSorney's performance is frightening and powerful. The scene where he attacks Veronica and beats her to a pulp is one of the most disturbing scenes I've witnessed in a long time. Ciaran Hinds (SUM OF ALL FEARS) is brilliant as Veronica's informant and eventual executioner. One can see how he is torn and yet remains selfish enough to save his own hide.Read more ›